Phillips Property Workshop 10/20/2016

On October 20, 2016, citizens of Matthews gathered in the Town Hall to consider development options for the Phillips House and Morris Barn. There was a consensus that adaptive reuse of the Phillips House was acceptable as long as the house retained its historic look. The group agreed that the site could be subdivided and that non-residential buildings could be built on the eastern portion of the property along Library Lane, as long as the buildings were no higher than two stories and were compatible in design. All agreed that the Morris Barn should be preserved but that the other outbuildings could be demolished. There was general agreement that it would be beneficial to the quality of life in Matthews if the Matthews History Museum was located in the Phillips House and if the western portion of the property became an extension of the grounds of the Reid House. Mayor Taylor stated that the Town of Matthews would not purchase any portion of the Phillips property.

Here are scenes from the November 17, 2016. Three design concepts were presented. A general consensus emerged that the barn and much of the rear yard should be connected to the adjoining Reid House property. The house would most likely be on its own parcel and be either a residence or used for an adaptive reuse. The eastern half of the property would contain sensitively designed infill buildings, most likely commercial.

The next step will be to make a presentation to the Mattews Town Board